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T-AKE vessels have a single house located on the aft end of the ship. Comprised of 8 decks, T-AKEs are considered comfortable vessels that have several amenities that increase crewmember quality of life. To start, these vessels do not have open berthing for any position. Moreover, there are washers, dryers and lounges on each level for crew use and, T-AKEs are equipped with personnel elevators. The T-AKE elevators run from the engine room all the way to the bridge with stops at each level.
To start learning your way around a T-AKE, begin with the main deck. The Main Deck is where all cargo operations occur and where the gangway is to enter and exit the ship. From the Main Deck, going up a level will put you on the 01 level, and going down a level will put you on the first deck. Below lists the common T-AKE living configurations, but please note that each T-AKE will vary slightly depending on the ships current crew and policies.
Staterooms/ Berthing Areas
The 02 level hosts the Enlisted Military, Cadet and other embarked personnel staterooms. These rooms are designed for two people to share and have bunks beds, their own bathroom, chairs and desk. If the ship has excess berthing space, which is common, only one person will be assigned to these rooms.
Moving up to the 03 and 04 levels you will find the unlicensed crew living areas. Both the 03 and 04 levels have individual state rooms that share a bathroom with the adjoining room.
Next, the 05 level houses the CPOs, Civilian Air Detachments (AirDet), Military Officers and overflow MSC officer staterooms. Everyone on this level has their own state room and bathroom. Bathrooms are not shared on this level and each room has its own shower, sink and toilet. Commonly, CPOs are assigned to the port and starboard side rooms while the officers and AirDet personnel live in the forward rooms. The forward rooms are separated from the port and starboard side rooms by a door.
Last, the 06 level houses the MSC officers. Like the 05, this level also has individual state rooms with their own bathrooms with full beds. There is not much difference between the 05 and 06 rooms; however, some rooms on the 06 will have computers in them. On the port side of the 06, you will find the Chief Engineer’s office and state room, while the Captain’s office and state room is located on the starboard side.
Mess Decks
Each T-AKE has an Officers Mess, Crew Mess, CPO Mess and a “dirty” mess located on the 01 level. Despite there being separate mess decks for officers and crew, there is only one serving line that everyone goes through for meals, and everyone receives the same food. T-AKEs are also equipped with a “sandwich line”. However, what that area is used for and how often it is used will depend on the ship. The “dirty” mess is typically used to store night lunches for those who have night watches and for anyone who is “dirty” from working. If you are new to MSC and see food wrapped up on plates by the serving line, do not touch them, they are for people who work the night watches and miss the dinner hour.
Lounges
On a T-AKE, each deck that has a stateroom will also have a lounge. Each lounge will typically have computers, a table to play cards, a television, a coffee maker, a sink and a couch. Again, each T-AKE will be different, and some ships have better, more equipped, lounges than others. On the 02 level, AKEs also have a Library with books and several computers. Some AKEs also have a barber shop in this area.
Offices
T-AKEs have a variety of office space. On the 01 level in the house, you will typically find the Chief Stewards office located by the mess decks and galley. Outside the house and all the way forward on the bow, you will typically find the offices for the Cargo JSO, Cargo Mate and Cargo 2s. There is additional office space in that area, but it varies from AKE to AKE. On the 02 level, you will reliably find the Medical Office, Supply Office, Purser’s Office and the Chief Mate Office. Finally, located on the 07 is the bridge, radio room, LAN Administrators Office and the Navigators Office. As mentioned, the Captain and the Chief Engineers offices are co-located with their staterooms.
Ship Store
The Ship Store is located on the 02 level. The ships store usage and stock level will vary greatly from ship to ship depending on the ships schedule and ship store operator.
Gyms
There are 2 gyms onboard AKEs located on the 04 and 06 level. The 04 gym is typically referred to as the cardio gym and is equipped with cardio machines and a few other random pieces. On the other hand, the 06 gym is referred to as the weight gym and will have dumbbells up to 100 pounds and some other weightlifting machines. The gym equipment and set up will vary from ship to ship.
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